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Document Details : Title: Moralisierung und mögliche Gegenstrategien Subtitle: Eine kritische Auseinandersetzung mit Körpervielfalt und intergeschlechtlichen Menschen aus theologisch-ethischer Perspektive Author(s): MAIRINGER-IMMISCH, Katharina Journal: Marriage, Families & Spirituality Volume: 31 Issue: 2 Date: 2025 Pages: 155-167 DOI: 10.2143/INT.31.2.3295214 Abstract : This article critically examines the ethical and theological dimensions of the phenomenon of intersex or differences in sex development (DSD) through the lens of contingency, vulnerability, and ambiguity tolerance, proposing an alternative to the prevalent moralization of intersex bodies in both medical and religious contexts. The study begins by critiquing the moralization and pathologization of intersex individuals, highlighting how societal and medical norms often lead to discrimination and stigmatization. It argues that these processes are rooted in a binary understanding of gender, reinforced by medical practices and religious doctrines that view intersex bodies as deviations from a perceived natural order. The article delves into the medical field’s historical and contemporary approaches to intersex conditions, noting the shift from curative to preventive medicine and the ongoing challenges of indirect discrimination. It emphasizes that while medical guidelines have evolved to include more patient-centered approaches, structural biases and moralistic attitudes persist, particularly in the context of surgical interventions. The study also examines the theological underpinnings of these biases, focusing on the Catholic church’s teachings on gender and sexuality. It argues that the church’s adherence to a binary gender framework and its moralization of intersex bodies contribute to the stigmatization and exclusion of intersex individuals. While the article advocates for the recognition of gender diversity, it also underscores that such recognition itself is often framed within a moral discourse. The challenge lies in the fact that these moral demands for gender inclusivity are met with resistance from heteronormative perspectives, which maintain considerable power and influence. As such, the article proposes ambiguity tolerance as a strategy to resist moralization, offering a way to move beyond ideological conflicts and engage in practical action. By fostering a more nuanced ethical stance based on contingency and vulnerability, ambiguity tolerance challenges rigid moral frameworks and creates space for more inclusive, context-sensitive decisions regarding intersex individuals. Ultimately, the article calls for a shift from moralistic debates to actionable strategies that can foster genuine social and medical change. |
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